Alps Hockey League: Zell am See take series lead in final with late winner

Jesenice made the better start in the third final game. After 17 scoreless minutes, Eric Svetina put the visitors ahead following a fine combination with Nejc Brus. In the 23rd minute, the Slovenians extended their lead to 2:0 through Jack Lyons, who confidently buried the puck after a strong individual effort.

However, the home side then took control in front of 2.539 enthusiastic fans. In the 32nd minute, Hubert Berger reduced the deficit to 1:2 on the power play with a precise shot into the top corner at the near post. Matt McLeod then equalised for the Pinzgau side before the end of the second period.

The final period began with the score at 2:2. However, it took Jesenice only 94 seconds to regain the lead: Martin Bohinc was initially denied by EKZ netminder Max Zimmermann on a wraparound attempt, but Jasa Jenko converted the rebound to make it 3:2.

But as before, the home side fought their way back into the game. In the 53rd minute, Christian Jennes scored an acrobatic goal to level the score at 3:3. Both teams created several more excellent chances thereafter, but everything was already pointing towards the first overtime of the final series – until the decisive goal came with 76 seconds remaining: Aljaz Predan found the net to make it 4:3, giving Zell am See the lead for the first time in the game.

Jesenice had no response and will be under pressure in front of their home crowd on Sunday – they must win to prevent the “Eisbären” from earning match points.

Alps Hockey League - final:

EK Die Zeller Eisbären vs. SIJ Acroni Jesenice 4:3 (0:1, 2:1, 2:1)

>> Goalscorers and statistics

Series score in the best-of-7 series: 2:1